MENTORING FOR ENTREPRENEURS

Venture Asheville’s Venture Mentoring Service (VMS) supports entrepreneurs pursuing scalable, high-growth ventures in Asheville-Buncombe County.

Modeled on the world-class MIT Venture Mentoring Service (VMS) and trained by the staff at MIT, Venture Asheville VMS utilizes a team mentoring approach, matching 3 to 4 mentors with each entrepreneur to provide practical, day-to-day professional advice and coaching via consistent mentoring sessions.

VMS mentors are selected based on their expertise in launching and growing operations, their skills as mentors, and their desire to give back to the next generation of high-growth entrepreneurs. Mentors’ careers represent a wide range of experience, such as founders, CEOs, chief technical officers, or executives of companies.

Core to the the VMS program is a Statement of Principles governing the standards and ethical guidelines that all mentors are required to adhere to as a condition of service. This ensures that entrepreneurs receive unbiased advice in a completely confidential setting.

Entrepreneurs accepted into the VMS learn how to perfect their products and services; identify, enter and grow new markets; build business organizations; and seek funding. Participating entrepreneurs utilize the service at no charge.

PROGRAM OVERVIEW

  • Team mentoring sessions offer entrepreneurs unbiased, dynamic conversations with highly skilled mentors
  • Mentors  listen, coach, and advise without scouting for investment opportunities, new clients, or a job
  • Mentoring sessions last 90 minutes
  • Specialized mentors are available to consult on specific HR, legal,financial, and other issues
  • All communications are confidential

MANAGEMENT TEAM

Josh Dorfman, Director of Venture Asheville, is Program Director. See his bio.

Claire Chender is the program’s Operations Manager. See her bio.

CONTACT VENTURE ASHEVILLE VMS

To inquire about Venture Asheville VMS, contact Claire Chender, Operations Manager, via email or call (828) 258-6137.

 

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FOR MENTORS

Mentors are highly experienced volunteers with great depth and range of experience. Mentors participate in Venture Asheville VMS  for many reasons including:

  • The satisfaction derived from supporting the next generation of entrepreneurs
  • Gaining exposure to new, innovative ideas and business concepts
  • The intellectual stimulation of working in teams with other accomplished professionals
  • Playing a key role in making Asheville a hub for world-class entrepreneurship

FOR ENTREPRENEURS

The VMS approach is practical, hands-on, and designed to move your business forward today, tomorrow and in the near future. We don’t do theory. Our mentors offer concrete advice based on the most pressing business issues you face right now.

Venture Asheville VMS is currently accepting applications from startup founders and executives who:

  1. Operate in the internet, mobile or software industries
  2. Have a scalable business model
  3. Have a product or service already in market (you’ve launched)
  4. Live or work in Asheville-Buncombe County